3. Some Fundamental Continuities
The new National Security Strategy, and the accompanying Strategic Defence and Security Review, will be built on certain solid foundations – most have been at the heart of bi-partisan policy over many years, including;
- NATO
- Maintenance of the nuclear deterrent
- EU cooperation
- Active involvement in international institutions
- Continued determination to prevent proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction
- Maintaining the security of the 2012 Olympic Games
No surprises here and nothing to be concerned over except that we think continued defence cooperation with the EU should be on a minimal basis. That said the Conservative policy is to only continue co-operation with the European Security and Defence Policy (EDSP) if it can show that the capabilities being offered do not duplicate those available in NATO. It also pledges to strive for co-location of staff. I believe EDSP has changed its name to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CDSP) and it will be difficult to reconcile the natural eurosceptic nature of the Conservatives with the accelerating pace of EU integration post Lisbon.
The UK and Netherlands were scheduled to provide an amphibious brigade (the existing UK/NL structure) to act as as the EU ready brigade this year, whether this actually happens is another matter of course.
Troubled waters ahead here.
Reaffirming the primacy of NATO and committing to its reform is a positive move.
Whilst recognising that each of these alliances has problems but when taken as a whole contribute to the UK’s national security.
The report goes on to list a number of important commitments across a range of areas.
Nothing radical, just sensible modest proposals although good intentions will be difficult to implement.
As I understand it Liam Fox has very little appetite for EU Cooperation as well. So at least a Spectator piece told me, which I cannot find now…
Nice to see we think alike, Cooperation with the EU is one thing that really worries me looking forward especially since it can and is detrimental to NATO. NATO does have it problems such as the overbearing presence, control and influence of the United States within the organisation but that is also its strength. The United States speaks with one voice it decides upon things and then acts much faster than the EU ever could hope to achieve this then helps to drive direction in NATO and provides stability. Of course I am a Eurosceptic so that largely biases my opinion and perception in this debate.
Sorry we will be doing what with the Dutch?
“it will be difficult to reconcile the natural eurosceptic nature of the Conservatives with the accelerating pace of EU integration post Lisbon.”
I wish, the front bench is packed with EUphiles
Have just edited the article to include a link to the MoD page that covers this
Dominic, I believe we have been subjected to a sort of softening up exercise. The RUSI report, the Tory paper being discussed here, interventions by Max Hastings and others (Rifkind I think recently) all seem to be preparing the ground for the idea that we can’t (in reality won’t) operate independently any more. I was a believer in the genuineness of the Cameroon EU policy and prepared to give it a chance, but you have to read the signs. The Tories will use the EU to allow them to reduce spending whilst claiming not to be stepping down from a global role. That will be their idea of placating those of us who care about being a significant player. Maybe they will use this enthusiasm as a bargaining tool to get he EU to lift the social chapter’s application to this country?
There does seem to be a lot going on this week, perhaps it is all a coincidence!
Thomas: “Sorry we will be doing what with the Dutch?”
The Dutch Royal Marines and the Dutch Navy have been integrated into the joint “UK / Netherlands” amphibious task group for years. Dutch Marine companies would embark on UK amphibs for the ‘relief of norther Norway” role during the cold war years, now the Dutch have a couple of amphibs of their own, so they join in more fully. It’s nothing new.
Also the ‘Cloggies’ and the ‘Booties’ get along rather well training and working together. I personally would like to see the UK/NL group deploy more often in an amphibious group to train and visit all over the world. Like Taurus but the Dutch taking part with one of their own landing ships and a frigate and us with a more solid task group.
Am I the only one who finds it odd that the Belgians still have a strong amphibious assault capacity, and in the event of war with Russia, intend to defend Norway?
Dutch, wrong side of the French Revolution there
Erm! Dominic the Dutch still has comparatively strong amphibious forces because of the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean and the fact that they have an interest in defending and supporting them. The Netherlands also wish to remain a country that can defend herself and her interests something the UK apparently doesn’t want to do. The Netherlands Antilles sit off the coast of Venezuela now ruled by a bit of a nutter who likes shouting about imperialism, colonialism etc so I think the Dutch are looking at that and thinking Hmm we don’t want to risk it. Look at what was said recently regarding the US Aid effort in Haiti by Hugo Chavez I would be drawing up some war plans or contingency plans if I were the Dutch military.
The Dutch have just confirmed the order for their new Joint Support Ship
Thanks for that admin really interesting ship any idea how much the ship is mean to cost or what the contract price is?
Just having a look at the current Royal Netherlands Navy ship list and if they wanted they could field quite a powerful naval task force for their size. This only increases with this new vessel when it arrives and hopefully they manage to sell some ships based on this design to other nations. It really brings to mind how comparatively less powerful the Royal Navy now is in some areas compared to other nations even those much smaller than ourselves. We are on a downward slope while other nations both large and small are rapidly moving in the other direction acquiring new equipment and capabilities.
http://www.naval.com.br/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/jss20karel20doormanhc61.jpg
looks like a Bay with RAS, where have we seen that!
Is it a serious job to raise the entire ship by two or three decks, but lop off the raised bridge section?
It just seems that a Bay sized ship with a flat deck could easily have a couple of STOVL or V/STOL embarked.
And of course, more room for helicopters
The Dutch Joint Support Ship is a development of the Schelde Enforcer class, and thus a distant cousin of the RFA Bay class !
I have already mades some comments in what we could do with one or two of them in my article on the RFA which admin will release at some point…